We all want that ideal work-life-balance right?
If you are like me and work on your computer, don’t you find time passes so quickly as you click away on the keyboard?
I sometimes found myself looking up from my computer and hours had passed, hours – especially if the kids were not at home – when they are home that never happens. This is not a good work-life-balance!
I need to make sure I take a break every hour at least. It is part of achieving my own balance. I got into this habit years ago, but have been really focusing on it when I started working on improving my health and fitness the last 6 months. I used to have a kitchen timer from the dollar store and that was working well – it was kind of noisy – tick, tock,tick tock – but it did the job. I liked it better than anything because it was so ‘In your Face”.
Problem is, I have one kid who is a “gotta pick it up and touch it, whatever it is” type of kid. When he is allowed in my office to use the computer, anything within his reach is fair game. He touches it, feels it, rolls it in his fingers and inevitably he takes it with him wherever that may be. This has been going on since he was little – he is now 17!
After too many searches for the timer, I decided there must be a computerized way to tell me to take a break. I do work Virtually and started as a Virtual Assistant and using the computer is what I do – there must be a product out there that can do the same job for me as my timer – but one where it can’t be carried away by my son.
More importantly, I really need the reminder now that I have a Fitbit as well – I am using the goal on it of taking at least 250 steps every hour… getting up and moving is a must!
I found several types of break reminder programs online, some have free trial versions, then you pay a nominal fee and some are freeware. Checking apps on my iPhone, I found lots to try out. After spending too much time testing them all out I decided the simplest ways was to set a reminder on my phone. This has really worked well – and it’s free! I can set it to my requirements and I really try to follow its lead when it dings and take that break and get my 250 steps in. Breaks that so many studies say are necessary for people who work on computers daily. Your wrists, fingers, eyes, back, legs, neck and more can all be affected by not taking a break.
I have it set for a reminder every hour – a 10 minute action / computer movement and sitting break every hour.
Having a timer go off on a regular basis, I find makes me realize how much time I spend on certain tasks – especially when I am not doing something for a client and have my time tracking program running.
Whether you choose a noisy timer, an egg timer, a sand timer or a timer program – pick one that works for you and listen to the reminders – take your break – your body and mind will thank you in the long run.
What tips can you share that help you get up and move every hour? Feel free to post your tips below and I will share them in a future newsletter!
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